the island of Zakynthos

Zakynthos (the Greek name) - also known by the former Venetian name of Zante - is the southernmost of the Ionian Islands and third largest after Kefalonia and Corfu, with an area of 406 square kilometres and a population of about 35,000.

It is 17 nautical miles away from the Peloponnese and 13 nautical miles south of the island of Kefalonia.

The Venetians called the island “Fioro di Levante”, or “Flower of the Orient” because of its rich and dense vegetation, due to the mild Mediterranean climate of the island, characterised by a high level of rainfall in winter and lots of sunshine during summer time.

Dionysios Solomos, the Greek poet who wrote the Greek national hymn said about the island that “Zakynthos could make one forget the Elysian Fields”.

Take a car and visit

  the Shipwreck at Navagio
  the Blue Caves at Skinari
  the giant Cross at Kampi
the street markets (lace, honey, ceramics) at Volimes
  the great beaches at Vassilikos, Xigi, Tsilivi and Porto Limonias

..... or just drive and take in the lovely scenery on this beautiful island.

Zakynthos is famous for its wonderful golden beaches, many of which have been developed to become lively resorts, but other have been declared protected areas for the reproduction of the Caretta-Caretta loggerhead turtles and have kept their natural beauty.

Whether you happy to chill out at Villa Amboula, dine out at one of the excellent local tavernas or let you hair down at one of the many bars and clubs in Tsilivi or Laganas, Zakynthos has something for everyone.

• great beaches
  walk to the local Bouka beach, or ride out to some of the best beaches in the Ionian islands at Xigia, Tsilivi, Porto Limonias and Vassilikos
   
• great shopping in Zante Town
  This working town retains an authentic Greek character and offers a good selection of shops and restaurants. Whether you want a traditional Greek taverna or a cool modern bar, you will find it here.
   
• other places of interest
  visit the Blue Caves at Skinari, the famous shipwreck at Navagio, the Venetian Castle near Bochali, the street markets at Volimes or the giant cross at Shiza.